Chennai Traffic Police Announce Major Diversions for Annual Temple Festival
The Greater Chennai Traffic Police (GCTP) has officially announced a series of traffic diversions and restrictions in the Mylapore area to facilitate the smooth conduct of the annual Panguni Peruvizha at the historic Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple. The festival is scheduled to take place from March 23 to April 1, 2024, with key events drawing large crowds of devotees.
Traffic Restrictions and Diversion Details
According to police authorities, vehicle movement towards the temple will be strictly restricted from several critical junctions around Mada Streets, R K Mutt Road, Luz junction, Kutchery Road, and adjoining interior roads. These measures are being implemented to ensure public safety and the orderly flow of festivities throughout the festival period.
The traffic diversions will be enforced based on the crowd of devotees, starting from the commencement of each event until its conclusion. Specific arrangements include:
- Vehicles traveling from Royapettah High Road towards Mandaveli via R K Mutt Road will be diverted at Luz junction through Luz Church Road and a series of interior roads before rejoining the main route.
- Traffic from Adyar heading towards Luz will be rerouted at Mandaveli through alternative roads, including Venkata Krishna Road and Luz Church Road.
- Vehicles from Alwarpet towards Luz will also be diverted via Oliver Road and P S Sivasamy Salai.
Key Festival Events and Parking Restrictions
The Panguni Peruvizha features several significant events that are expected to attract massive gatherings. The key events include the Adhikara Nandhi procession on March 25 at 6 am, the car festival on March 29 at 6 am, and the Arubathumoovar festival on March 30 at 2.30 pm.
On these major festival days—March 25, 29, and 30—parking restrictions will be strictly enforced on key stretches such as Sannathi Street, East and South Mada Streets, R K Mutt Road, and North Mada Street. To accommodate vehicles, designated parking arrangements have been made at Luz Church Road, Venkatesa Agraharam Road under the MRTS flyover, and the Kapaleeswarar Temple ground near P S Higher Secondary School.
Public Transport Adjustments and Advisory
On festival days, MTC buses that normally operate from the Mylapore tank terminus will temporarily function from Luz Church Road near the Amrutanjan junction. This adjustment aims to minimize disruption and provide alternative transport options for commuters.
Police have issued a strong advisory urging motorists to follow the announced diversions and plan their travel in advance. With large crowds anticipated during the festival period, adherence to traffic rules is crucial for maintaining safety and smooth traffic flow. Authorities emphasize that these measures are essential for the successful and secure celebration of the revered Panguni Peruvizha at Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple.
